The Art of Layering in Perfumery
Written on 1 July 2025
With its origins in Japan, the art of « layering », « Saho » in Japanese » and « millefeuille » in French, was initially derived from the application of cosmetics, consisting of applying different treatments to the face to maximize beauty and obtain a perfect complexion.
Traditionally, the process begins with removing makeup and cleansing the skin, next applying a general hydrating treatment, and finishing off with targeted products, like under-eye serums for example.
Just as precise and gentle gestures quickly become a daily routine, once or twice per week, it’s advised to add an exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and keep your skin soft and smooth.
Want to try this feel-good routine? Nothing could be easier with our Maison’s cosmetics range: “Lumière” lotion, serum, and cream, eye contour from the “Les Essentiels” collection, body scrub… you can create your own beauty kit—and don’t forget the finishing touch: a perfumed body cream to moisturize your skin with an elegant fragrance.
Speaking of fragrances: did you know that the art of “layering” can also be used with different perfumes?
At Galimard, we are always committed to staying true to our values while embracing new trends. Naturally, our boutique consultants had fun experimenting with layering two or three perfumes—with results that are as surprising as they are alluring.
The technique is simple: first, spray the most intense fragrance, and a few seconds later, spray a lighter one on top.
There are countless possible combinations, though we advise not layering more than three fragrances.
As we’ve mentioned in other blog posts, the fame of Grasse’s flowers in perfumery is due in part to the vast compositional possibilities they offer: they can be used in every olfactory family, and the three HÉRITAGE creations —our perfumer Yusuke Masuda’s latest works — pay special tribute to them. This collection is especially well-suited to layering: layer “T” with “J” for a sensual, opulent trail, or “R” with “J” to enhance your femininity with a touch of romance.
Ready to go even further? Then let’s dare to elevate Grasse’s iconic flowers with the powerful, captivating notes of the Collection Privée : “T” combined with Oud Vanille will envelop you in sunny, radiant scents, Oud Jasmin paired with “J” adds a fruity twist to the floral-animalic notes of Grasse jasmine, and Musc Royal harmonizes beautifully with “R”, giving it exceptional longevity.
These three examples perfectly illustrate one of the main advantages of layering: after application, the scent trail is rich and long-lasting.
In the Classic Collection, all daring combinations are possible— just avoid layering perfumes that share too many notes. For instance, combining “Journal intime” with “Si tu savais…” isn’t ideal because both are too citrus-heavy.
On the other hand, pairing “Cantabelle” (slightly tangy) with the fruity softness of “Songeries” is very interesting.
For gentlemen, we suggest trying “Aventure” with “Sportissimo” or “Un hiver à Grasse” with “1”, for example.
If the experience intrigues you but you’d prefer to start cautiously, why not begin your first trials with our Eaux de Cologne?
Patchouli/vanilla, vetiver/patchouli, lychee/citrus verbena, or rose/orange blossom are all safe bets to get started—and then… Let your inspiration guide you!
Our shopping tips to test layering without breaking the bank: Try the 6-perfume box sets (for men, women, or unisex) or the discovery box of the Collection Privée —offering you countless layering combinations!
The benefit of layering is twofold: extended fragrance longevity and the ability to change your scent (almost) infinitely, depending on your mood and the season!
See also
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Why can’t we smell our own fragrance after a few minutes ?
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You just applied your favorite fragrance. In the first few minutes, the scent envelops you, transports you, boosts your mood. However, progressively as time goes on, the scent seems to disappear. To your surprise, you still get compliments on it even though you don’t perceive it at all anymore. What’s going on? This phenomenon, universal […]
